NEW road signs recently put up in the city of Dar es Salaam arenot for public use yet until authorities conduct an awareness campaign.

In a telephone interview with the 'Daily News' on Tuesday, Dar es Salaam City Director Mr Bakari Kingobi said the road signs should not cause panic as there would be a sensitization campaign before they are unveiled.

According to the mayor, the new signs are part of preparations of the proposed Dar es Salaam Transport Master Plan.

A spot check by the 'Daily News' on Tuesday established that the wrappers that covered the road signs were torn, partially or completely.

A motorist hailed the 'Daily News' for revealing the 'mystery' surrounding the road signs, saying: "It is good you have taken note of this... those signs are confusing us. I hope something is done about it."

A taxi driver who preferred anonymity said the signs were causing traffic jam as drivers did not know what to do.

Mr Kingobi apologized for the confusion and promised to notify the Ilala Municipality to cover them immediately.

"We had a meeting on Tuesday and we agreed that the signs should be covered. I promise to call Ilala Municipality immediately to alert them," he noted.

Traffic Police Commander Mohamed Mpinga said although the traffic police were not responsible for putting up road signs, they were aware that the signs would serve for the Dar Rapid Transit System.

Along Kivukoni road, at the Railway bus station there is a 'no entry' road sign whose covering has been peeled off, and on the opposite direction another blue sign with a white arrow allows vehicles to pass through.